NFL Power Rankings: Panthers, Patriots and Bengals at the top entering Week 14

carolina panthers. 1. team. 87. <p>The New Orleans Saints gave the Carolina Panthers a run for their money in the Superdome and looked like they were going to hand Cam Newton his first loss in 2015. Somehow the Panthers were able to mount a come back and win the game after all.</p> <p>Cam Newton didn’t live up to Michael Irvin’s bold prediction of eight touchdowns but he got closer than maybe many thought he would, throwing for five touchdowns on the day as he led the Panthers to a comeback victory with the fifth. Newton also rushed for 49 yards on 10 carries, helping out in the ground game as well.</p> <p>All in all, this game speaks volumes for the resiliency of the Panthers, able to weather an onslaught from the Saints to dig deep and grind out a win on the road in a loud stadium with a raucous crowd.</p> <p>The Panthers also become just the 9th team in history to reach the 12-0 mark and you have to begin to wonder if they can reach 16-0. They definitely have a favorable schedule, playing the lowly Falcons twice, the equally woeful New York Giants, and then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 16-0 is a real possibility if the Panthers don’t decide to rest starters once they’ve clinched home-field advantage.</p>. (12-0). Previous: